UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 381 - MARCH 9, 2023

The Russian forces conducted the largest rocket attack on Ukraine in 2023 on March 9, but the attack was likely just part of the Russian state propaganda.

Ukrainian military reported that the Russian forces attacked Ukrainian critical infrastructure with 84 different rockets, including 28 Kh-101/Kh-555 and 20 Kalibr cruise missiles, six Kh-22 anti-ship missiles, six Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, two Kh-31P supersonic anti-ship missiles, six Kh-59 guided missiles, and at least 13 S-300 air defense missiles. The Russian forces also attacked Ukraine with eight Shahed-136 drones of Iranian production, which according to Ukrainian authorities were likely intended to distract Ukrainian air defense systems from the missile attacks.

Reports suggest that the Ukrainian forces were able to shoot down 34 of the 48 Kalibr and Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles, as well as four Shahed-136 drones. Ukrainian authorities also note that all eight Kh-31P and Kh-59 missiles did not reach their target. Yuri Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, stated that the Ukrainian forces were unable to shoot down some of the Russian missiles, likely referring to Kinzhal and S-300 missiles. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that the Russian forces conducted "high-precision long-range missile attacks from the air, water, and land" on Ukrainian military infrastructure, military-industrial complexes, and energy infrastructure to support the Ukrainian military as retaliation for the alleged incursion into the Bryansk region on March 2.

The full Russian Offensive Update 381 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

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